The choreographer told The New York Times of his new job: "I certainly knew about the position, but I also knew that there were candidates from within the company. I was surprised, but I felt very quickly that the artistic dialogue between us was an exciting one.

"After a while I did feel there was a really good chance I might get the position. Which made my head spin."

Millepied is expected to continue working with the LA Dance Project until he formally begins with the Paris Opera Ballet.